Langston University Women Business Faculty Prepare Future Workforce Leaders Amid Global Uncertainty

Educators Dr. Heidi O'Donnell, Professor Malayna Hasmanis, and Professor Tristan Jones are shaping career readiness and leadership development for students.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a stack of business textbooks, a laptop, and a pen on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the educational resources and technology used by Langston University's business faculty to prepare students for leadership roles in an uncertain economy.Langston University's business faculty equip students with the tools and resources needed to lead in a rapidly changing global landscape.Langston Today

As global tensions escalate, supply chains shift, and artificial intelligence reshapes the economy, employers across the United States are asking a critical question: Are today's graduates prepared to lead in an uncertain world? At Langston University's School of Business, three dynamic women faculty members - Dr. Heidi O'Donnell, Professor Malayna Hasmanis, and Professor Tristan Jones - are helping answer that question by preparing the next generation of leaders for a rapidly changing global economy.

Why it matters

Langston University's business school is showcasing how these faculty members are actively preparing students with the character, skills, and resilience needed to succeed in an increasingly uncertain world. Their work reflects a larger shift in higher education, where universities must prepare graduates with the competencies employers need to navigate technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical change.

The details

Dr. Heidi O'Donnell, a former U.S. Marine, draws from real-world leadership experiences to teach students how to perform under pressure, lead ethically, and make sound decisions in uncertain environments. Professor Malayna Hasmanis is redefining how business students understand the relationship between organizations and communities, preparing graduates who combine technical competence with empathy, stewardship, and strategic judgment. Professor Tristan Jones, coordinator of Langston's Reach Higher program, is helping working adults complete their degrees and advance their careers.

  • Langston University is highlighting these faculty members during Women's History Month in March 2026.

The players

Dr. Heidi O'Donnell

A former United States Marine, Dr. O'Donnell draws from real-world leadership experiences to teach students how to perform under pressure, lead ethically, and make sound decisions in uncertain environments.

Professor Malayna Hasmanis

Professor Hasmanis is redefining how business students understand the relationship between organizations and communities, preparing graduates who combine technical competence with empathy, stewardship, and strategic judgment.

Professor Tristan Jones

Professor Jones, coordinator of Langston's Reach Higher program, is helping working adults complete their degrees and advance their careers.

Dr. Daryl D. Green

The Dean of the Langston University School of Business, Dr. Green believes the work of these faculty members reflects a larger shift in higher education where universities must prepare graduates with the competencies employers need to navigate technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical change.

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What they’re saying

“These women are not only outstanding educators. They are mentors, strategists, and leadership builders. At a time when the world feels increasingly uncertain, they are preparing students with the character, skills, and resilience needed to succeed.”

— Dr. Daryl D. Green, Dean of the Langston University School of Business

“At Langston University, we prepare students to lead in any sector of the business landscape. My service background helps students understand that leadership is tested in moments of uncertainty.”

— Dr. Heidi O'Donnell, Professor

“These experiences give students the opportunity to practice leadership in environments where impact matters as much as output.”

— Professor Malayna Hasmanis, Professor

“Persistence and discipline are the keys to success. Returning to school while balancing life responsibilities is challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding accomplishments a professional can achieve.”

— Professor Tristan Jones, Professor

What’s next

Langston University will continue to highlight the work of these faculty members and their impact on preparing students for leadership roles in an uncertain global economy.

The takeaway

Langston University's School of Business is at the forefront of preparing the next generation of business leaders, with faculty like Dr. O'Donnell, Professor Hasmanis, and Professor Jones equipping students with the skills, character, and resilience needed to navigate technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical change.